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Add -s or -es to most verbs when using the subject pronouns __________.

A) I and you
B) He and she
C) We and they
D) You and they
E) She and we
F) I and he

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The subject pronouns that require adding -s or -es to most verbs are 'He and she'. Understanding subject-verb agreement and eliminating gender bias in language are important for creating grammatically correct and inclusive English sentences. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question of which subject pronouns require adding -s or -es to most verbs is 'He and she'. When using third-person singular subject pronouns in English, such as 'he', 'she', or 'it', the verb typically gets an -s or -es ending. This rule of thumb helps maintain subject-verb agreement, which is critical for grammatical correctness in English sentences.

It is important to understand that while subject pronouns 'I' and 'you' are singular, they do not follow the same rule as 'he' and 'she' for verb endings. Moreover, plurals such as 'we', 'you' (which can also be plural), and 'they' do not get an -s or -es ending on the verb.

Subject-verb agreement is not just about adding an -s or -es to the verb. It also requires careful consideration of the subject. For example, compound subjects connected by 'and' usually take a plural verb unless they constitute a singular idea or unit. Additionally, when compound subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the part of the compound subject closest to the verb. Indefinite pronouns also have specific rules; some take singular verbs, while others take plural verbs, depending on their meaning and context.

Eliminating gender-biased language is also a vital part of modern English usage. Traditionally, singular pronouns like 'he/him/his' have been used to refer to nonspecific individuals, but this can exclude women and non-binary individuals. Alternatives such as rewriting the sentence to avoid the pronoun, using 'they/their/them' as singular pronouns, or alternating between masculine and feminine pronouns throughout a text are strategies to achieve gender neutrality.

Hence, Option B is correct.

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